Description:

SLAVERY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Interesting A.L.S. of one Thomas Braihwaite in St. Johns, Virgin Islands, 4pp. 4to., Apr. 1795 to John Sharpe in New Jersey. Braithwaite was likely a plantation owner, as this letter concerns the disposition of a mulatto girl, in part: "...Tho personally unknown to you, yet I am no stranger to your excellent character. My nephew...was often expatiating upon it...I am afraid he is no more. He sailed from this island November 9, 1793 with a cargo of rum and sugar to a considerable amount and has never since been heard of....Before his departure he made his will appointing Mr. Thomas Hetherington and myself executors...My nephew carried over with him one mulatto female child named Sally and as he informed us here left here under certain conditions with the purchaser of the estate. I beg you will have a careful eye over her and let her want for nothing. Let her be decently and warmly clothed according as the season or weather requires and taught besides reading, writing and arithmatic or cyphering of all sorts of domestic housewifery and economy...plain sewing so as to be able to make her own clothes a man's fine shirt plain or ruffled & washing...These attainments if she can acquire them will make her a useful member of society. Wherever her lot may fall or will fill up her time so that no portion of it will be unemployed or hang heavy on her hands but let not the acquisition of these useful branches prevent her from being brought up in the fear and knowledge of God. This crowns the whole and ought to accompany the education of any child...". Folds with toning thereon, boldly written and very good. The Braithewaite family still survives on St. Johns.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arrange through the auction house. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

September 28, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000